DR. WALLIS AND HIS HARMONIUM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 4, 4 January 1878, Page 4

DR. WALLIS AND HIS HARMONIUM.

The Star publishes the following account of the disturbance between Dr Wallie, M.H.R., and his congregation : «-^For some time past there have existed differences between Dr Wal lis and his congregation at the Newtown Kirk. These culminated last nigbt in a scena in tbe.chureh which will have the effect of bringing matters to a crisis, The causas of disagreement are twofold, resting in the first place on the title to the church property, which Dr Wallis holds ; in the second place upon the opposition of many of the congregation to tbe rev. gentleman's active participation in politics. In order to induce Dr Wallis to leave the political arena and devote ' bimßelf exclusively to the kirk, several members and adherents formed themselves into a committee for the purpose of increasing the number of the congregation, and to collect subscriptions fpr the purchase of an harmonium. The idea of introducing instrumental music always was opposed by Dr Wallis, although desired by many members of the congregation. Two of the committee collected about £50, and paid for the harmonium. Dr Wallis's permission was obtained during his sojourn at Wellington to place the harmonium in tbe church. On hia return the committee arranged for a soiree to welcome him, and at that meeting the doctor seems to have offended the committee by a reference to instrumental music. According to one member of the committee he preached down music, and jeered and laughed at the idea. Subscribers to the harmonium fund then held a meeting, and placed the instrument in the hands of three trustees to remove the harmonium. In accordance with this request, tbe trustees proceeded to the church in company with several raeD, hired to take the instrument away. It was shortly after half-past 7 when the party reached the kirk, and the choir, who had just commenced practice for the Sunday service, were somewhat startled by the entrance of so many persons into the church. When tbey reaohed the harmonium, Mrs Wallie, who was singing with the choir, suspected their intentioD, and screamed to the gentleman playing the instrument to prevent its removal. She then ran to the residence adjoining, calling Dr Wallis. Meanwhile the party coolly lifted the harmonium white the precentor was playiDg, and made for the door. They had scarcely taken it, before they heard the footsteps of Dr Wallis approaching, and in an instaut tbe doctor rushed in by the front door, locking it securely behind him, but on reaching the inside door found himself too late, as the men who had been hired had succeeded in effecting tbeir escape from the side door at the rear of the building, carrying with them the trophy of victory. The trustees did not take an active part in the matter, but merely superintended tbe removal. Dr Wallis, seeing no chance of preventing the removal, mn to tbe front door and unlocked it, calling out "robbers ; thieves ; blackguards." One of the trustees warned bim to be careful what be was saying, upon which the doctor became greatly incensed. During this time the choir bad remained in tbeir seats, the ladies being very much frightened ; several however, seemed to think the affair very amusing. The trustees state that several of the largest subscribers demanded their money back if the harmonium were left in tho church. Dr. Wallis then went down to tbe police station and requested tbat the persons who had committed the outrage should be taken into custody, but his request was not granted. He next applied at the police court for a summons, but as it could not be ehown tbat a larceny bad been committed — the trustees believing that tbey had a right to the barmoninm — the summons was not issued, Dr Wallis beiDg informed tbat it was a case for a civil court, aud he waa recommended to take advice from his solicitor. The harmonium has beeu placed in tbe charge of the gentlemen who effeoted its removal, and will remain there until a meeting of subscribers Bhall have been held. - , -i